The Office of the Governor today announced the release of $265,500 in emergency funding for the Austin Police Department (APD) and the Texas Ranger Bomb Response Team to purchase seven portable x-ray systems for use in bomb detection and responding to suspicious package investigations. These x-ray systems are used by bomb technicians on scene and provide clear visual evidence for rapid assessment of a package’s safety.

“I want to ensure everyone in the Austin region and the entire state that Texas is committed to providing every resource necessary to make sure these crimes are solved as quickly as possible,” said Governor Abbott. “I offer my sincere thanks to law enforcement at the local, state and federal level for their efforts to ensure that those responsible for these attacks are apprehended and brought to justice.”

Several of these units are already in use with Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians responding to suspicious package calls and securing crime scenes to ensure citizen safety.

Over the last two years the Office of the Governor has provided nearly $1 million dollars to the City of Austin to enhance the capabilities of the Austin Police Department’s Bomb Squad. Purchases under these grant awards include bomb disposal robots, robotic arms and bomb suits allowing technicians to approach potentially explosive devices and render them safe.